December 2024

New Recommended Age for Pneumonia Vaccine

Pneumonia is a leading cause of hospitalization after childbirth and results in about 50,000 deaths annually in the U.S. New vaccines, like PCV21, now protect against 77-85% of pneumonia-causing bacteria—an improvement over the older PCV20, which covered 54-62%.

In a shift from previous guidelines, the U.S. Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) now recommends starting pneumonia vaccination at age 50, as the risk increases at this age, compounded by rising rates of diabetes and heart disease.

For those with conditions like asthma, diabetes, sickle cell, HIV, or heart/lung disease, vaccination is recommended starting at age 19.

While there is no clear consensus on whether revaccination is needed, some doctors suggest getting a booster every 5-10 years.

Dr. Neuman advises, "The pneumonia vaccine is arguably the most critical vaccine one can get. I highly recommend it."